The list includes state senators, representatives and mayors from across Markey's 5th Congressional District, including House Speaker Robert DeLeo, a Winthrop Democrat.

Markey is hoping to bolster the sense of inevitability growing around his pursuit of the Democratic nomination for Kerry's seat.

Markey, the longest serving of the state's all-Democratic congressional delegation, has already won the backing of Victoria Kennedy, the widow of the late U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy. Kerry has also signaled his support, stopping short of an outright endorsement.

Congressman Stephen Lynch is still considering a run on the Democratic side.

Former U.S. Sen. Scott Brown is weighing a run on the Republican side.